Night for the STARS with Pam Tebow

An Evening for the STARS with special guest Pam Tebow

Friday, May 16

At College Church, corner of Washington and Seminary in downtown Wheaton.

332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187

Spead the word and bring friends to this special event.

 

You won’t want to miss our special night to celebrate our STARS and STARS Family Services.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. dessert and silky-smooth tones with Charles Kay Jazz in the Narthex before the program at 7 p.m.

The evening includes:

·       Musical Guest Stephanie Chiodras

·       A new STARS Family Services video

·       Guest Speaker Pam Tebow

·       Host Todd Busteed

 

This is a fund-raising event for STARS Family Services, so everyone will have an opportunity to give to STARS Family Services

 

Pam Tebow

 MORE ABOUT PAM TEBOW

As the daughter of an army colonel, Pam Tebow lived all over the world until she was 17, when she entered the University of Florida. Through a series of what she calls "God stories," Pam discovered the joy of investing herself in the lives of those in her sphere of influence. Her college resume ultimately included graduating with honors in Journalism and Communications and the shaping of her passion for life-impacting influence.

While in college, Pam met her husband Bob through a Christian organization that he helped to start on their campus.  Their amazing God and His infallible Word have sustained them through many adventures during 40 plus years of marriage, with five children and eight grandchildren. Known as "homeschool pioneers," Bob and Pam began teaching their children at home in 1982, before the term "homeschool" was coined. By God's grace, all five of their children were homeschooled from kindergarten through high school, and all five received college scholarships.

The Tebows have an ongoing ministry in several semi-closed Asian countries, where they encourage their national partners, teach at conferences, and support orphanages, Bible Schools, and a safe house they founded for rescued girls.

Pam loves speaking for events. Her notoriety increased when her youngest son Tim, quarterback for the Florida Gators, became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. During the nationally televised Heisman broadcast, ESPN aired a portion of an interview that focused on her refusal to abort Timmy when she was advised to do so. She was given an instant national platform to encourage the prolife message. In 2010, Pam and Tim appeared in a Super Bowl commercial that celebrated family and life, which according to a Barna Survey, resulted in 5.5 million people "having cause to rethink their stand on abortion." Pam has appeared on "Good Morning America" and other talk shows and won National awards.

Pam is passionate about encouraging people of all ages to trust the Lord with all their hearts for all their lives and use the incredible influence God has given them to eternally impact their world. This is the subject of her first book Ripple Effects (Tyndale House Publishers).

Matching Grant Update

Matching Grant Update. We give thanks for the generosity of our friends and family and for God’s provision. We fully met the matching grant of $76.000 that came to an end on December 31. Thank you to all who participated in this. There are many requests for support at the end of each year. We are grateful for everyone who chose to help us.

Exciting News from STARS Family Services

STARS Family Services is excited to announce this year’s matching grant of $76,000 now underway through December 31. This means that all gifts given through the end of the calendar year will be matched dollar-for-dollar until SFS has reached the full $76,000 match. We are grateful to the generous donors who have made this possible.

Gifts at this time help SFS to help us with the essential services. Including:

  • ·     Residential housing

  • ·     Job placement and vocational training

  • ·     Art Studio

  • ·     Move and Groove; physical workouts

  • ·     Respite care

We are asking all friends of STARS Family Services to pray and give as they are able so we can reach the full match. So please do pray and consider making a generous donation at this time. We simply couldn't do what we do without you!

Thanksgiving Greetings from our Executive Director

Thanksgiving week is upon us. For many of us, this time of year may mean traveling to visit with family and friends, enjoying traditional holiday foods like turkey, cranberries, stuffing, green beans and mashed potatoes, reflecting on the people and things for which we are grateful, and cheering on our favorite football teams.

STARS Family Services is a wonderful place to collaborate with amazing staff, partners and volunteers who are dedicated to strengthening their callings and creating a place where STARS thrive and grow. This Thanksgiving season, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our staff and volunteers, for their tireless commitment and support provided to the STARS, family members and to each other.  I am thankful for the STARS Family Services Board of Directors and am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support I have received in my first year and six months serving as executive director. I also want to thank our community partners and friends for joining us to provide exemplary services and individualized supports. 

This year when giving thanks, considering everything going on at home and around the world, I am reminded that even the simplest act of kindness can make all the difference to those around us. While 2024 has brought its share of challenges, there is a lot to be thankful for. 

During this Thanksgiving holiday, my prayer is that as you gather together with family and friends, may you reflect on the ways God has moved in your life and in the lives of those we serve together, and may you know what a true blessing you are, especially to our team at STARS Family Services and to me!

 I wish everyone a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

Gratefully yours,

Sharon Coutryer

Executive Director

Join Our September Golf Outing

Be a part of our second annual Golf for the STARS. Registration is now open and includes green fees, cart, breakfast and lunch options and a cash bar. Come and support our residents.

  • Date: September 25, 2024

  • Where: Cantigny again this year.

  • Details: 7:30-8:30 am hot breakfast available; driving range open prior to shotgun start.

  • 9:00 am shotgun start

  • Buffet lunch following your round of golf. 

  • Single: $250

  • Twosome: $500

  • Foursome: $1,000

Mulligans available for purchase for $25 the day of the event! Cash or card will be accepted (limit 2 per golfer).

As was the case last year, you can purchase a Putt with a STAR for $50! By having one of our STARS Residents finish one putt for your group, you can take a stroke off your score and be encouraged by the talent you will encounter. Help us cheer on our STARS! 

For questions or to register, email jack@oconnorfinancial.group

Proceeds help STARS Family Services provide private community-based homes (supportive living arrangements) and related services for adults with developmental disabilities in Wheaton, Illinois.

Contact Jack O'Connor for details and information on event sponsorship. We have a limited number of spots, so sign up today. Click the button to register now

A special word of thanks to our sponsors:

Guillaume & Freckman Innovator Nussbaum Family Fund O'Connor Financial Group

Contact Jack if you'd like to sponsor.

First-Ever Art Auction Highlights

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Art Auction and Sale on August 23, 2024. We had a great time at our Art Auction and Sale, with lots of smiling faces and people able to take a treasured work of art home with them. Check out the photo highlights.

And in case you missed out, items not bid on may still be available for outright purchase. Get a piece of our Art Studio work without having to make a bid. Check out the auction site for available art or Contact Sharon for more information.

A special word of thanks to our sponsor: Air Rite Heating and Cooling

Save These Dates

ART AUCTION AND SALE

We are excited to announce our first-ever STARS Family Services Art Auction and Sale on Friday, August 23, at 7 p.m. in the Crossings building of College Church. Everyone loves the art our STARS are creating. Here's a chance to own some of it. Display original art in your home or office. Plan to join us at this celebratory night. Proceeds will benefit SFS.

The auction will open a few days ahead of the actual event, so watch your email inbox or the SFS website to participate in the bidding ahead of time.

 

GOLF FOR THE STARS

Our second annual Golf Outing is coming September 25 at Cantigny again this year.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

9:00 am shotgun start

$250 per person

$1,000 foursome

7:30-8:30 am hot breakfast available; driving range open prior to shotgun start. Buffet lunch following round of golf. For questions or to register: email jack@oconnorfinancial.group

Proceeds help STARS Family Services provide private community-based homes (supportive living arrangements) and related services for adults with developmental disabilities in Wheaton, Illinois.

 

ArtSpace Gallery & Matching Challenge Grant Update

This past Friday was the opening night of our ArtSpace Gallery, a story installation piece written and illustrated by the STARS! They brought their work to life beautifully with so much color, creativity, and talent! We are so grateful for everyone who joined us at the opening (pictured below), but if you weren’t able to make it then, there’s still plenty of time to see the exhibit! It will be available through March 8, located in the Crossings at 303 E. Front St. in Wheaton, on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12-2 p.m., as well as after the evening service on Sundays. We hope you can stop by!

Click through this slideshow to view photos of the exhibit!

Additionally, we wanted to thank you all once again for your generous donations to our latest Matching Challenge Grant. Through your partnership with us, we were able to fully achieve our challenge goal of $80,000! We are praising the Lord for this outcome and his continued provision, and look forward to seeing how he works in the year ahead. 

In Christ,

STARS Family Services

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” –Psalm 118:1

Christmas Greetings from STARS Family Services

December 24, 2023

Dear Friends,

The holiday season is here, and I’d like to sincerely wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. May your heart & home be filled with peace & joy this Christmas and holiday season. It is my prayer that you all have a successful and healthy 2024 ahead of you. 

I want to also take a moment to reflect gratefully on the past year—all of this year’s achievements experienced and celebrated by each STAR would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment from you, our staff, in collaboration with our families and partners.

It is in this spirit of joy and peace that I say thank you for such a wonderful year and encourage us all to look ahead at the amazing opportunities God will provide in the new year! Please be sure to celebrate this joyous time with your family and friends.  

Have a wonderful Christmas with peace, love, and blessings to you and your family in 2024!

In Christ,

Sharon Coutryer

Executive Director

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched--they must be felt with the heart."

--Helen Keller

Matching Challenge Grant so far: $62,090

Dollars still to go: $17,910 to meet the full $80,000 challenge grant.

UPDATE on the Matching Challenge Grant

December 12, 2023

Dear Friends,

For this year’s Matching Challenge Grant 2023, we shared how your continued love and support helps us provide residential supports and life-changing experiences for the STARS, through vocational training programs, a much in-demand art studio, active community and church life, and our three wonderful homes.

Supporters like you responded in a great way these past few days, and we are so grateful. It is amazing and humbling to see so much generosity from those who believe in our ministry on behalf of STARS Family Services and their families. I am grateful to report that we have reached $31,095 of our $80,000 matching challenge grant.

If you were one of the many who contributed, thank you for your gift. If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time! Make your gift today. Click on the website where it says “donate.” And pray with us that we can reach the full goal by midnight on December 31.

With your generosity, STARS Family Services will continue to give home and hope to families with a member with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your gift will be specifically used to invest in our daily operations, support, and expand programs and most importantly, impact the lives of those we serve.

God bless you. May your Christmas be blessed.

Sharon Coutryer

STARS Family Services

Our Biggest Matching Challenge Grant Ever

Announcing Our Biggest Matching Challenge Grant Ever

Our hearts are full of gratitude for you again this year as you continue to come alongside this ministry organization and love and support our STARS, our staff and all those in this community that benefit from the-Spirit-filled work of God at SFS. This work is only possible when God’s people come together. So, thank you!

This year two donors have stepped up with the biggest matching challenge grant in SFS history. And now, we need the rest of this community to be sure we don’t miss this opportunity by investing in the daily care for our residents; on-going vocational training; and residential support and staffing within our three beautiful houses that our residents call home. 

Additionally, the Stars Family Services Art Studio continues to grow and richly impact those budding artists who participate. Your support will allow us to further enhance the art studio and see more works of art be produced while STARS experience joy, confidence, new skills and community in a real, transformational way.

Remember, your partnership with SFS provides our residents and their families with housing, jobs and job coaching and a church community, all with dignity and hope! Please consider helping us now (prior to Dec 31, 2023) so we can continue this work well and receive the full generous match of $80,000. Praise God!

Click on the video at the top of this email and scroll down to see our photos--what a joy to help our STARS. Thank you for your support and love. Whether this is your first time with us, or you’ve been partners with us from the beginning, we are grateful and thanking God for each of you.

Have a blessed Christmas season.

Sincerely,

Tony DiLeonardi

Board President

STARS Family Services

 

SFS Art Studio Opening at ArtSpace

Our Art Studio is opening a mini-exhibit Friday, August 11, 7-9 p.m. Come and see “A Day in The Life'' featuring our studio artists’ talent. You'll see the various elements of what makes SFS’s art studio so special. Don’t miss it. There will be creative crafts and artistic items available for purchase. The ArtSpace Gallery is located on the east side of the old Toms Price building in College Church’s Crossings--303 East Front Street in downtown Wheaton.

STARS Family Services welcomes new executive director

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Sharon Coutryer, our new Executive Director, to STARS Family Services. Sharon has a wealth of experience with members of the Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled field, years of leadership in community operations, large and small, state licensed and independent, and a wonderful faith in Jesus.

Additionally, Dr. Coutryer brings:

  • Over 15 years management and quality enhancement experience with a proven track record as a strong, collaborative internal manager and external representative of an organization.

  • A proven measurement, analytics, and tracking proficiency to ensure that problems are clearly explained and steps toward resolution are documented and executed.

  • A solid record for facilitating cooperative partnerships with residents, staff, and external stakeholders.

“Dr. Sharon Coutryer is a proven leader in the field of developmental disabilities," said Inman White, CEO Community Healthcore. “She has a life-long commitment to supporting people with disabilities and their families; a strong belief that people should fully participate in community life, and the skill to manage large and small community service operations to achieve that outcome."

Sharon currently sits on the board of directors for Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream, The Carlton Center in Carol Stream and is a member of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the ARC.


We thank God for bringing Sharon to us, and look forward to her leadership in the days ahead.

Golf for the STARS

Be a part of our first-ever Golf for the STARS event. Registration is now open and includes green fees, cart, Chick-Fil-A lunch and cash bar. Come and support our residents.

Date: September 25, 2023

Location: Cantigny Golf

Enjoy golf at Cantigny’s public course with a private club feel. Proceeds benefit STARS Family Services residential and life-skills programs for adults with intellectual disabilities. Awards and hole contest included.

11:00 a.m.: Practice Range Opens

12:00 p.m.: Chick-Fil-A Lunch

1:00 p.m.: Shotgun Start 

Single: $175

Twosome: $350

Foursome: $600

Contact Jack O'Connor for details and information on event sponsorship. We have a limited number of spots, so sign up today. Click the button to register now

A word from Tony DiLeonardi, chairman of STARS Family Services board of directors

Out of an abundance of gratitude for Angela Killian as executive director of SFS, I am writing with the news of Angela’s retirement from this role. She has served SFS well for more than three years and will stay active in the organization as a consultant. 

“I am profoundly delighted with the level of care, growth and stability that Angela has brought to SFS,” said board president Tony DiLeonardi. "Shortly after Angela started as executive director, she guided us safely through COVID and brought on new policies, practices and guidance that empowered and supported staff, and created a new focus on our residents’ personal growth. We are better today on every metric we mange in this ministry."

Additionally, Angela has helped SFS:

  • Mature the organization for long-term sustainability through an organizational redesign.

  • Focus on our residents’ personal growth with new day programming, the Art Studio, and expansion of the Partner Program (job coaching.

  • Develop TEAM SFS--a Community of Caring--a collaboration of staff, STARS and families.

  • Renew a primary focus on safety and quality, implementing COVID policies specific to the high-risk SFS resident community, staff mandatory education (including CPR) to maintain safety readiness and to prepare staff to work with SFS residents and the STARS community.

  • Foster community relations by expanding our internship program and creating relationships with local academic programs for occupational therapy and nursing—investing in the future generation of caregivers to support the intellectual/developmental disability community.

Join us in thanking Angela and Scott Killian for their service, and please pray with the board of directors and the search committee for the next executive director of SFS.  We are trusting God in this process.

You can see the job description here. Pray with us for God to guide us to our next executive director.

Prayer for the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023

PDear Father, we thank you for bringing us safely through another year here at STARS Family Services.

Thank you that we shed our masks and were able to return to work this year.

Thank you for the STARS Resale Shop and the Twice is Nice Resale Shop.

Thank you for the team of people who work at STARS Family Services, each one sharing life with our residents.

Thank you for every resident and every family.

Thank you for those who were able to find respite with us.

Thank you for the first ever Art Show and for how you make each one of us creative in our own unique way.

Thank you for church and Jesus.

Thank you for food.

Thank you for tulips.

Thank you for the firepit.

Thank you for warm houses on cold winter nights.

Thank you for Run for the STARS.

Thank you for cool houses in the heat of summer.

Thank you for summer camps.

Thank you for pumpkins.

Thank you for birthdays.

Thank you for all the friends we have at STARS Family Services.

Thank you that we can't stop saying thank you.

In Jesus's name, amen.

Coleman Matching Gift Opportunity Now Underway

November 2022: Coleman Matching Gift Opportunity

November is the month of Thanksgiving and also the month of opportunity for us here at STARS Family Services. 

There are many reasons for us to give thanks to God.

We give thanks for our residents and their families and the larger STARS community. We praise God for our talented and gifted staff and board. We are also thankful for the team of generous volunteers and student interns who help us. We are grateful for the STARS Resale Shop and Twice is Nice Resale Shop that provide places for our STARS to work. We are grateful, too, for the people who shop at STARS Resale and the funds that come to us from those sales. And we give thanks for expanded Art Studio classes and day programs so we can serve even more STARS and families.

We also give thanks for the Coleman Foundation that has given STARS Family Services a threshold matching grant challenge of $12,500. This is the opportunity we face at this time. In order to receive the full grant, we need to have 50 people give gifts of $250 or more by December 15. We are reaching out to you to consider being one of those 50 people. You may give by mail or online—it only has to be a gift of at least $250 to qualify. 

Prayerfully consider being one of the 50 people to give qualifying fits this month so we can get the full match. Your gift of $250 or more will be matched with a gift of $250 from the Coleman Foundation. Thank you for helping with whatever gift you can give.

We also want to give to you our heartfelt holiday greetings—Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

Angela Killian, Executive Director

Tony DiLeonardi, Board of Directors President



Wild Woods Art Show: New Dates Set!

Exciting things are happening in the Art Studio program! We are quickly approaching our Art Exhibition, scheduled for August 19-20. While we were disappointed to have to reschedule the show back in April, the STARs involved in the Art Studio have taken this opportunity to create even more artwork to show, and we are so proud of what they have created. We would love to tell you a little bit about what we’ve been busy with this summer! 

In Art Studio, we love to incorporate many different artistic and educational lenses to our projects. This week, we went to outer space! The residents viewed photographs produced by the James Webb Space telescope, and created their own drawings based on the colors and shapes that they found. Our residents have also been busy with their star sculptures, which you will be able to see at our Art Show!

About our Art Show: This art exhibition, entitled The Wild Woods, gives you glimpses into the imagination and creativity of our residents. The main body of work is an installation piece that forms an immersive, wooded land filled with whimsical animals, plants, and more. We hope that stepping into this beautiful space gives you a renewed appreciation for each diverse season of life.

The art show takes place at College Church (on the tunnel level of the Commons buildings) August 19-20:

  • Friday (opening night) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  • Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

The Wild Woods Art Show Postoned

Wild Woods Art Show, Friday, April 29, 7-9PM, Saturday, April 30, 10AM-3PM, College Church C005

See Our Arts Ministry Up Close! 

RESCHEDULED: We regret to report that the art show needs to be postponed due to an outbreak of Covid in the SFS community. We look forward to presenting this soon.

This spring, STARS Family Services is busier than ever getting ready for the art show.  Residents are busy working on their art pieces and contributions to the show. Make plans to attend our first-ever Art Show. It’s called “Wild Woods,” and will be coming to College Church in the Commons building, room C005—we will post rescheduled dates as soon as we can.

“The art show is going to be set up so people will be able to experience the colors and textures of our STARS artists as they express their creativity through art,” explains SFS executive director Angela Killian. “Some of the artists will be on-site so you can meet meet them as well as other art team members.”

Come enjoy this delightful event and an eye-opening demonstration of the creativity and spirit of some of our residents. 

Two generous donors have agreed to challenge gifts amounting to $100,000 to encourage people to give at this important time. If we all rise to that challenge, that would mean total giving of $200,000 in spring/summer. You can give now and be a part of supporting STARS Family Services programs through our Season of Life Challenge! The art show is free for everyone, but there will be an opportunity to donate as part of the spring/summer challenge grant.

 

Season of Life

March 2022

Dear Friends,

This spring, STARS Family Services is busier than ever. I am so thrilled with the way things are coming together for a spring and summer like no other--both in what new opportunities we are providing our residents and what more we are doing for the greater disability community throughout DuPage County.

Two generous donors have agreed to challenge gifts amounting to $100,000 to encourage people to give at this important time. If we all rise to that challenge, that would mean total giving of $200,000 in spring/summer. Fantastic! And that can start now.

So let me tell you why this is such a great time to support our SFS ministries and families. As we head into spring, we are really focusing our efforts so that SFS can both serve more of the STARS community and also provide a deeper level of ministry for our residents.

Our Arts Ministry. We’ve been talking about our art studio, and it continues to be a place of surprise and discovery. We see great potential for STARS to benefit from the art studio. We are growing this area so that more STARS can participate.

Make plans to attend our first ever Art Show! It’s called “Wild Woods” and will be open the evening April 29 7-9 p.m. and April 30 10 a.m. 3 p.m. at College Church. Come enjoy a delightful event and an eye-opening demonstration of the creativity and spirit of some of our residents. Put it in your calendar and plan to attend. We will be sending out more information soon!

And we aren’t stopping with visual art only. We are beginning to explore the development of programs with a focus on music as well.

Respite Care. Many STARS families aren’t ready for SFS residency, but a break would nice. That’s why we are formalizing enhanced Respite Care services for the larger STARS community. We are working to better accommodate individualized short-term residential stays. The initial response has been positive.

The parents of one STAR who recently had a respite stay at one of the SFS homes shared, “Our daughter was so happy and welcomed. She connected so well the whole staff. She wanted to continue at the art studio and return to have time with everyone. God has provided more than we could ever ask or think by providing a respite home for our daughter. Thank you all so much.”

Deeper Community. The past year has been a time when we have had to think on our feet. With the changing dynamics of vaccines, masks, and health concerns, in many ways the SFS community has helped us to bring together residents from all our homes and others in the STARS community in new ways. Weekday Community Time is filled with games, singing and crafts. SFS families and team members have been enjoying making memories with our residents during recent Snow Days, Super Bowl Parties, Bingo, and movie nights.

Your faithful prayers and support helped us make it through the pandemic. Now, as we move into spring, we look forward to a new life-giving season at STARS Family Services and we invite you to join us at this special turning point.

Will you help us reach the full challenge grant with a special gift this spring? You can give now by clicking the donate tab in the top right here on our website. You can also send us your gift by mail or give through out website.

And remember to come to our Art Show this spring!

Angela Killian

Executive Director, STARS Family Services

Pray with us:

  • Give thanks with us to God for the generosity of the challenge grant and that God would provide the full $200,000.

  • Pray for the upcoming art show, that God would guide us in preparing for it, that residents would feel both affirmed and excited for this first-ever experience.

  • Pray for the respite care efforts, that many would find rest, refreshment and blessing through the short-terms stay options at SFS

  • Pray for God to help us as we plan for summer ministries and developments..

  • Ask God to provide or our financial needs, that he would use SFS to care for STARS families, residents and respite care participants.